Elegant Pumpkin-Walnut Layered Pie

Flavorful pumpkin pie sits atop a toasted walnut mixture in this must-try dessert.

Ingredients:

• 1 (15-ounce) package refrigerated piecrusts
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1 1/4 cups firmly packed light brown sugar, divided
• 1 cup walnuts, finely chopped and toasted
• 3 tablespoons butter or margarine
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 (16-ounce) can pumpkin
• 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Whipped cream (optional)

Directions:

1. Roll 1 piecrust to press out fold lines; cut out leaves with a leaf-shaped cutter. Brush leaves with lightly beaten egg, and place on a baking sheet; set aside.
2. Fit remaining piecrust into a 9-inch pieplate according to package directions; fold edges under and crimp.
3. Bake leaves at 350° for 10 to 12 minutes or until golden. Bake piecrust for 6 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove leaves and piecrust from oven; let cool. Increase oven temperature to 425°.
4. Combine 1/2 cup light brown sugar, chopped walnuts, butter, and vanilla extract; spread on the bottom of baked piecrust.
5. Beat pumpkin, cream cheese, 2 eggs, and remaining 3/4 cup brown sugar at medium speed with an electric mixer. Add flour, cinnamon, ginger, allspice, and nutmeg, beating until blended. Spoon pumpkin mixture over walnut mixture.
6. Bake at 425° for 15 minutes. Reduce temperature to 350°, and bake 30 more minutes or until pie is set. Remove pie to a wire rack; cool. Arrange leaves on top of pie. Serve warm or chilled with whipped cream, if desired.

Southern Living
NOVEMBER 2002